CHAPTER 4
The duffle bag was thrown down on the bed, messing up the covers. Drawers were pulled out so quickly they were in danger of being pulled from their connections. Once folded clothes were ruffled through by frenzied hands. Jeans and t-shirts were yanked from their resting places and quickly folded like there was no tomorrow. In essence, there WAS none for her, not if she got CAUGHT. Run away... It echoed in her mind, giving her speed parallel to panic. 'Only the necessities.' She told herself. Clothes, undergarments, the only family picture she had, a few days worth of food, a brush, toothbrush, a few hair ties, and a fan her gamma gave her filled the military canvas. The bag wasn't even HERS; it belonged to her father. Quickly dropping to her knees, she fished under her bed and grabbed a guitar case. She would NOT leave THIS behind. It as the only thing she had left to remember her Gappa by. Fumbling hands grasped the strings and sealed the duffle. The flap over it was clasped for finality. She paused and looked around her ransacked room. 'So this's what it's come down to.' She thought sadly. 'If I leave, I want something to remember mother by.' Grabbing the guitar handle and the straps, she shouldered the bag quickly. Her legs carried her to the doorway and she ingrained the room to memory. Then her hand came up and flicked off the light switch. She stopped in the doorway, the lights still on. Her eyes moved to the growing puddle of blood on the floor. Her eyes locked and her body froze. 'STAY FOCUSED!' She screamed. Purposely striding into her parent's bedroom, she stepped over her father's body and started looking for something her mother owned. It had to be something she could fit in her guitar case, her duffle was full. What she found was something she knew her mother adored. She picked it up and opened the guitar case. Carefully, she slid the gold solitaire diamond necklace into the hole of the guitar for safekeeping. It was something her father had given her as a betrothal gift. It mean a LOT to her mother and now it did to her. Even if it DID come from her FATHER. She grabbed the now closed guitar case and spitefully stared into those unseeing cloudy eyes. THAT she memorized with an ounce of satisfaction. "Your reign of terror is OVER...FATHER." She spat the relation and left the room, turning the lights out as she went. She could hear the sirens as they neared. What was it, the cops? An ambulance? Neither would be of any help because the only witness ran through the back door. Cutting through the lawn, she ran top speed for the metal fence and cleared it. She didn't stop till she was a mile from home, headed for town. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 'There's GOT to be a way out of here.' She was wandering around the main part of the city looking for escape. She had to leave town. She would not go to jail for defending herself. She refused foster care. She wandered down the tracks for a while, figuring she could find a train down the line. It seemed to take miles before she did. She darted from the parallel metal and to nearby trees. 'All I have to do is sneak aboard.' Her mind located several places she could go. They seemed to be resting and wandering around. She crept closer. 'Circus people. I'll just hitch a ride with them.' She took note of the open cars and found caged lions inside. Her jaw clenched. 'Such a majestic creature locked away like a common criminal.' Once people slowly wandered back to the train, she managed to get close enough to jump on. The lions looked at her warily, almost menacingly. A finger went to her lips. "Shhh. Don't worry, I won't hurt you." She whispered. They sat down and wagged their tails, just staring at her. She gave them a friendly smile and hid her belongings. Voices sounded from inside the train and she knew she couldn't stay inside. Quickly, she left the interior and scrambled underneath the tracks. Now in near fetal position, the voices sounded right above her... And then she was locked out. The voices retreated and another whistle blew. Panic gripped her. Quickly, she swung onto her back and eyed everything inches above her. Many undistinguishable items lay in front of her. She was unsure if the poles and rungs were safe to grab. The whistle sounded again and she blindly grabbed hold. The train started at a snail's pace, allowing her to situate her legs. She found a wide bar and wedged her sneakers in sideways to fit. She turned them vertical and clamped them down, almost at a painful angle. Knowing her hands would stay only so long, both arms hooked around the rungs. Bending her elbows, she locked her arm muscles and prepared for a ride. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Something was wrong. The brakes beside her screamed from use. Were they taking another rest, or had they come to the next city? Whatever it was, she could use the BREAK. Both arms and legs were nearly numb from being jostled around, but still working obediently. Barely. When the train stopped she was able to hear voices. And something akin to scratching on wood nearly above her. The lions? Her brow furrowed to try and figure it out. Yelling surrounded her ears and soon feet sounded all around her. What was going ON? Soon more feet sounded outside. A few sounded REAL close to where she was. A pair of worn tennis shoes stopped near her. Her eyes widened and sweat pleated her forehead. Her eyes riveted on the pair of small feet until the ankles bent. 'OH NO! Oh PLEASE don't let me be found!' She pleaded. Hands pressed against the Earth as knees soon joined everything else. Her wish wasn't granted. She was face to face with a young woman. "So THERE you are. Wow, you must be pretty sore. Well we found you now so why don't you come on out." Her muscles didn't budge. An auburn eyebrow rose. "Come on, I PROMISE we won't hurt you." A gentle smile appeared, calm and friendly. 'It looks SO MUCH like...' She fell heavily to the ground. Limp, she stared at the bottom of the train just like she had been for countless miles. She moved, but it was slow and labored. She inched out from between the train with almost her hands, due to practically numb legs. The auburn woman tried to help her up, but Washu swatted at her hands. After kneeling for a minute or two, shouts were made for the headmaster once they were spotted. Grabbing onto juts in the metal, she was able to pull herself over to sit on the connections of the car. The lady smiled again. "Before everything happens, may I have your name?" Midnight stared on as that kind smile made an entrance again. She looked at the ground, trying to prepare herself for the onslaught soon to follow.

"Washu." She mumbled.

"Washu? Washu. Waaaaasshhuuuuu. Come on sleepyhead, time to wake up." Catherine shook the loafer a few more times before the blankets moved.

Her tired eyes perceived the sun as a threat to her inner peace and grabbed the covers, throwing them over her head. Her eyes popped open in shock, now able to handle the dimmer setting. 'It's MORNING?!' Before Catherine could do so, Washu pulled the covers from her body and sat up with a sudden burst of energy.

"IT'S MORNING?!' She repeated stunned. Her dark eyes jerked around as she noted how clearly she was able to see everything. "OH MY GOD! I FORGOT MY CHORES!" The amount of energy gone, she flopped back onto her pillow with a groan.

Catherine blinked, unable to clearly take in the outburst. She obviously didn't expect THAT. She was prepared for a silent and/or grouchy Washu, not what she just saw. She didn't know how the girl had so much energy in the morning. "Yea...time to get a move on." She stuttered, trying to recover. Washu rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she looked at Cathy, waiting for an explanation. Catherine noticed and beamed. "You need to get a move on little one, we're leaving soon." She felt the excitement well up in her veins. "We're going to SPACE!" THAT woke Washu up. Her jaw dropped.

"You mean...we're going to...the COLONIES?" Cathy nodded quickly, still smiling widely. "Wow...SPACE." She whispered. It finally dawned on Catherine that this space travel would be Washu's first.

"You'll LOVE it Washu. Zero gravity is the BEST! I've BEEN to the colonies, it's almost set up like Earth. It's just a controlled environment. I think you'll LOVE it." She babbled. Washu nodded, but it was automatic. "I'll leave you to get dressed." She quickly stood and left the thoughtful girl alone.

Her mind was still trying to recover from shock. All her movements in her tent were mechanical. She packed everything and took her tent down with glazed eyes. 'Wow...SPACE. Did you hear THAT mother, I'm going to the colonies!' All sorts of questions floated in her head of what, how, and when. She didn't pay the workers any mind, but it was for a different reason.

The camp was abuzz with noise. Everybody was trying to get everything set for the short ride to the shuttle. The city they were near didn't have updated equipment so it was necessary to take the train again. He didn't know how long it would take them to get out of the atmosphere, but he longed for zero gravity again. He walked around camp, his things already packed. His mind was also preoccupied with thoughts of space, but for a different reason. It'd been a total of nearly two months since the war was over. Although he liked being back with the circus and Catherine again, ever since he'd last talked to Quatre, he longed for his friend's presence. So he talked to the ringmaster and Quatre, setting it up to have a few shows on his colony and the surrounding.

His thoughts drifted to Washu as she scurried past him in a hurry. He quickly turned his head to follow her, an eyebrow slightly raised. He doubted she'd ever been to space before. She seemed TOO at ease with gravity, which meant she'd never experienced the thrill of ZERO gravity. If she'd been in space she'd most likely feel more weighted down with her normal mass. A mirthful smile peeked through his nonchalant face. He could probably bet on her slamming into a wall to stop, or turning a few complete circles before stopping. He'd just have to wait and see if that prediction came true.

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"EVERYBODY INSIDE!" The whistle sounded and minutes later, the train lurched alive. Soon, it was chugging along on a quick, yet short journey. Washu as still reeling from the news. But the strangest things that occurred in her life were ALWAYS unexpected. Especially NOW.

Sitting on the ground in the hay, a sketchbook in her hands, she was lightly scribbling. To any passerby, it would look like a bunch of doodles. But to Washu, it was ideas for a pattern for her dress. The design to accent the preliminary she'd finalized a week ago. All her measurements were detailed in the main sketch, she just wanted to complete EVERYTHING before plunging ahead. She'd whittled everything down to roses, but those would take TALENT to construct, especially with what she had. Now she almost wished she were able to get to her mother's sewing kit. Her stash of thread seemed endless. She was big into knitting and crafts.

Her pencil paused when constructing a petal. A bout of homesickness hit her. A soft thump got her attention. The youngest lion shook his head in question, as if sensing her feelings. She gave him a brief, half-hearted smile. "I just wish I was home right now." She softly explained. He shook his growing mane and pressed his body against the bars. She smiled again and set everything down. Standing, she kneeled in front of the bars and petted the loving creature. "Don't worry little one, it'll pass. I just have to remember what awaits me at home and know I can't return for a while." Her eyes turned sad. "I wonder if I'll have anything to go back to." Her gaze dropped to her surroundings. "Maybe I should've stayed. Maybe running was a BAD idea." She sighed and leaned against the cage. "Will I be able to set foot in my room again? In the kitchen where my mother prepared our meals? In the living room where she knitted?"

Tears cogged her vision as gravity threatened to take them away. The lion pressed against the cage again to get her attention. She looked behind her shoulder at him. He turned and sat with his back nearly ramrod straight. Nothing moved as his eyes closed and he took a few deep breaths. A light bulb turned on. She shook her head. "That's a good idea, but I can mediate later." Her hand stuck in the cage to thank him. She often meditated around the lions, mostly because she found her center quicker around those she was comfortable around. "I want to get this pattern done." She quickly leaned over, grabbed the notebook, and leaned against the bars. Friendship overcame the loneliness and she DID feel better.

The train tirelessly toiled on its directed path, but Washu herself needed an energy boost. Her stomach whined loudly above the clickety-click, getting a soft roar from the lion. She laughed and grabbed everything. "That's just my STOMACH you silly." She playfully admonished. "I'm going to get some food and be among the humans for a while. I'll see you when we leave again." After shutting the door, she walked away and left the lion to a nap.

"Mind if we sit here?" She looked up from the window. Cathy and Trowa stood above her, plates in their hands. She gestured to the empty seats across her. The two sat down and Washu looked back at the passing scenery. Hardly any of her own food was touched. As soon as she sat down, her eyes were drawn to the window, just watching the world go by.

The two started in, silently eating with an ingrained grace. Cathy stole glances at their only female companion. "You know what? I think this's the first time we've eaten lunch together." She stated. Washu's eyes moved to Catherine's, but the rest stayed planted. Her eyebrows moved up once as if to say 'imagine that'. Trowa looked at Washu, wondering why she was so adamantly staring at the outside. "So, what do you think of our trip to space?" Cathy wanted to get the small girl's attention and talk with her.

Their presence was an intrusion to her serenity, but a livable one. She turned to her neglected food before it was completely cold. "I don't know." She softly answered. "I've never been there, I don't know what to expect."

"Well if you need help getting your 'space feet', you can always ask me or Trowa to show you the ropes." Her eyes darted to Catherine and Trowa. They locked with his visible green eye timidly. He nodded slightly, agreeing with his sister. She managed a shy smile before going back to her food, silence their newest companion.

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"IS EVERYTHING LOCKED DOWN?" The ringmaster shouted. "WE'VE GOT THE OKAY TO GO!" Mad dashes from people taking part in a marathon to get seated buzzed around him. Animals made noise around them as if signaling that they were also ready. Once he was satisfied everything was in place and people were strapped in, he made the call for take off.

The countdown was heard throughout the ship. When it reached zero and the rockets started, she felt every muscle in her body clench. She looked out the window and clutched the armrests when she saw how high up they were. And they were only getting higher.

Trowa looked over at Washu when he heard her breathing pick up a notch. Catherine was sitting to his left, but hadn't heard. His green eyes stared mesmerized at her sideways face. He was rarely aware of his arm moving till he felt her skin contact with his. Her eyes swung to her hand and his that covered it. Midnight watched as his fingers softly moved over hers; five light, olive slender fingers whose muscles stood out in their death grip. Her eyes shifted to his and found them boring into her own. He was mentally surprised at what he could find in her eyes. Raw fear in its purest form. He was slightly surprised because she sat in high up places. But then, this rivaled anything she could ever sit in. He had never seen such fear in her eyes, ever. She seemed afraid of nothing. But this had never happened to her before.

The fear slowly replaced with a strange look. WHY was he touching her AGAIN? And why was she ALLOWING it, AGAIN? "Scared?" He whispered. She blinked, lost. Her grip didn't loosen. The left arm was tingling from his touch. His eyes moved from hers to their hands. "Let go." Her brow furrowed.

"Let go?" She whispered shaky. The ship bounced around from the gravity it was trying to escape.

"Let go." He repeated monotone. She looked down at her hand. It was nearly white from the strain. She could feel her hand starting to cramp up.

Trowa was asking for something big and he knew it. If she let go, that meant she was more considerate towards him and trusted him in a roundabout way. He knew what he was going to do, but the rest depended on her.

Even though their trip was still taking them to space, her left hand was able to let loose from the poor chair. It went limp, exhausted from such effort. Trowa was taken aback but was flooded with flecks of relief. Again, he was amazed at the emotions he felt around this girl. What did she do to him? Slowly, his fingers delved to her palm. Slender fingers curled slowly around her small hand, cradling it, lending a small measure of strength and comfort. He looked into her eyes and found her staring with large orbs that seemed to fill her face. The rest was blank. He felt his lips tilt in a soft smile.

"Now, close your eyes." It took a second to register the strange command, but she did so. "Take a few deep breaths." With the acceleration they were doing that was rather hard, but she tried. His eyes were on the window the entire time, watching the stars appear as darkness of outer space approached. It was like seeing an old friend again, since he was originally from the colonies. Being in tune with machines from experience with his Gundam, he felt the throttles stop as their accent finished. He looked into her face again. "Now open your eyes and look around us."

She blinked and noticed how lighthearted his eyes were. She looked around the cabin as others casually chatted. Her eyes landed on a blackness that rivaled her hair. She gasped slightly. Trowa smiled as he reverted his gaze back to the stars. She pulled her hand from his and moved her body towards the windows. "It's BEAUTIFUL." She whispered in awe.

"You know the BEST thing about outer space?" Catherine asked with a playful smile. Trowa regarded her with a soft smile. She undid her belt once she felt the upward pull and reached over Trowa. Washu was too entranced with the absence that surrounded them to pay either much attention. Catherine's hand grabbed hold of Washu's braid, pulling it out from behind her back. "Zero gravity!"

"HEY." A hand clutched her head from a small bout of pain. Her head whipped around to glare at Catherine, but her face smacked into her braid. Catherine couldn't help herself, she started giggling. She was in such a good mood to be in space again. She found it so pure, the ultimate silence. It was all so peaceful. Trowa's lips pressed together as he tried to keep a mirthful smile off his face. Washu blushed. Feeling that blow of embarrassment, she unbuckled her belt and started floating upward. She gasped in slight surprise and gripped the top of the seat in front of her.

"Careful Washu. You'll have to move slow till you can adjust." Washu didn't have to face Catherine to hear her smile. Her jaw clenched.

"I'll be fine." She said in that old, empty voice. Catherine glanced at Trowa with only her eyes and gave a half smile, half grimace. "I'm going to check on the animals." Somehow, she got to the aisle without too many more embarrassing moments. They still happened though.

Trowa sighed mentally and shook his head. So, it was back to the silent treatment again... Undoing his belt, he floated to the top of the cabin to go over those in the aisle. His eyes stayed straight ahead on the cargo door and ignored the eyes as he floated gracefully over everyone. He stopped and lowered himself to the door, opening it. He shut it quietly and faced an amusing spectacle. He couldn't help but smile slightly. Washu floated over the lion's cage in lotus position, her braid nearly horizontal from her back.

"Why did Catherine make fun of me?" She asked, her back to him. How she managed to stay like that without moving was a mystery. He figured self-discipline.

"I'm sure she didn't mean it." He defended softly. She snorted slightly.

"Then why did she do it?" He slightly shook his head. Crossing his arms, a foot lightly catapulted him into the air. He slowly floated to her and turned to face her front. Upon changing his position, he was able to stop in front of her. Washu stared at the graceful demonstration and wished she could do something like that without having to practice. She was quickly disliking space.

Neither really knew what to say. Silence was broke from animal movements and calls. "So," He cleared his throat softly, "would you like some help?" She stared at him confused.

"Help?" An eyebrow rose in slight distaste. She despised that word. She didn't WANT anyone to take care of her.

"Learning the ropes. Being able to handle your body in this gravity." He explained. "I can help you."

She felt a little torn. It would be so EASY to go someplace empty and learn by herself, but who KNEW how long that would take. She would PREFER Cathy to Trowa, but she didn't want to bother her for something so trivial. She looked down at her hands and fiddled with a nail slowly. Did she really want HIS help? They'd been on bad terms since the start, but he'd proven himself different than the others. Her eyes rose to his slowly and they locked. Her mind blanked once black hit green and she was unable to pull away from some reason. She couldn't even blink. The world stopped for them.

Trowa's eyes flitted across hers. He wondered what she was thinking. He tried to break her gaze, but her piercing eyes held his own prisoner. Her lips parted as if in slow motion. His eyes darted to her mouth. It gaped open slightly, but nothing escaped. He looked into her eyes. "I know how you feel about people helping you. I know you don't like me very much, but I'm trying to be friendly here. Let me help you." She finally blinked. It broke the spell and she looked at her hands again. She nodded, a hardly recognizable motion.

"Fine." She softly answered.

His head tilted unconsciously as he stared at the top of her head. A small smile graced his lips. His mind hit marathon speed as he wracked his brain for the easiest and quickest techniques. Slowly, his palms moved to the top of the cage to gently push off. Washu watched as he landed on the ground. He looked back into her eyes, the smile still on his lips. It was a start, they could build from there. "Shall we?" He asked. She looked at him, feeling like smiling herself.

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"Attention all occupants. Approaching colony L-4. All passengers please strap in and prepare for landing."

She looked up from her book and then at the two empty seats to her right. They'd been traveling in space for a few hours and the two were STILL not back. Catherine shook her head slightly. She could understand WASHU not coming back, but Trowa should've come back by now. Setting the book in a magazine holder in front of her, she floated past everyone. The last thing she remembered, Washu was going to check on the animals. It was possible she could still be back there. A small pang of quilt ate at her. She shouldn't have played around like that around Washu when she clearly misinterpreted it. She grimaced slightly. 'I didn't mean it like THAT.' She thought.

After going past a few doors, she found them still in the back. Trowa seemed to be explaining something to Washu. Cathy ducked, hoping neither had seen her. Both hands grabbed hold of the jut to the window. Her nose rested lightly over her fingers as she peeked. Washu nodded thoughtfully and Trowa performed a back flip slowly, using a wall to bounce off and landed back in front of Washu again. Catherine's eyes narrowed in confusion. 'What're they DOING?' She watched Washu perform the flip almost effortlessly and both eyebrows went up.

Something had DEFINITELY happened during their small journey. Trowa did a circle and stopped easily. Washu copied with ease. She was lost. 'Trowa, have you been helping Washu all this time?' A grin slowly started forming. One that was reserved for siblings who had ammo to use when they planned on poking fun at each other. 'You sly dog.' She joked, feeling laughter bubble. Her lips pressed together to keep quiet as she continued to spy. Quite an eye shocker at best. Washu, the girl renounced as being a man hater, GETTING ALONG with her brother, known to be almost as quiet as Washu. But TROWA spoke up more than Washu did.

The two smiled oh so slightly at each other and numerous questions sprang forth. When had everything changed? When had Washu wanted to give Trowa a smile, some of her attention, and even a second GLANCE? And when had Trowa ACCEPTED it all? She took note of the softness to his gaze. Her eyes narrowed skeptically. She never saw that look directed at Washu before, what had she MISSED?

"Last call for landing. Those that aren't strapped down, please do so now." The two stopped and looked at the speaker on the far wall. If it was heard just then, why did they ignore the original call? She opened the door and floated in.

"Hey guys. We've gotta get buckled in before we dock." She thumbed behind her and left again, leaving the door open.

Washu felt like blushing from embarrassment. She looked at the floor. 'No one was supposed to come back to cargo.' She thought. And she was just getting comfortable being around him. Even though they were alone. He seemed to read her true self and she felt it hard to keep a mask going, so she let it slip a little bit.

Was THAT why she felt like a guilty child? This was CATHY here. Washu could silently admit she trusted the older woman a little, even though she embarrassed her every so often. Then WHY did she feel so embarrassed?

"We'd better get going." Trowa commented. She looked at him and nodded, caught up in her thoughts. "Do you think you can manage on your own now?" She looked around them and nodded again, feeling more confident. As soon as she had successfully done a few exercises, the rest was EASY. Her previous perception of zero gravity changed drastically. Now, she LOVED it! No hindrances, nothing keeping her rooted to the ground. With a tap, she could take to the air with no restrictions. What a feeling! To be as free as a bird and fly over all she knew...a thrill. "Shall we then?" His arm swept to the door, allowing her to go first. She smiled softly and floated for it, the gentleman act not lost on her.

Trowa took up the rear, the act not lost on HIM either. He argued that if she started losing control, he could get a hold of her quicker to steady her. He looked at her and noted the confident air she possessed. No, she was in complete control now. Then why did he act just so? 'Just being polite is all.' He figured. But before he never bothered to do so with her, due to her icy nature. Things had changed, she'd loosened up while they worked. She actually seemed COMFORTABLE around him, which he was silently glad for. It was about TIME, too.

He allowed Washu in first, since she was closest to the window. The two strapped in and waited. Landing didn't take that long, but it could've been the fact that it was the end of their journey. As soon as they'd safely entered, his eyes looked over Washu's head at the colony.

Cathy was right, it WAS a lot like Earth. She looked around, somewhat excited. The main difference she could tell was the sky was undoubtedly fake. Her excitement lost some of its luster. She loved nature and here it would be a facsimile. Her eyes dropped as she continued to look out. 'I'll just have to deal till we get back to Earth.' She thought, slightly miserable. She missed it already.

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It seemed to take forever for everyone to get everything loaded onto the trucks. The animals seemed a little agitated by all the new smells and drastic surroundings, but Washu stayed with each group as they were moved from the shuttle. Her presence seemed to calm them. Though the ringmaster thought it a bad idea, all animals were loaded together from Washu's order. He didn't want to put all carnivores and herbivores together, but she said she could only be in one truck at a time. Plus, she had said, they're in cages right? She seemed angry at the last comment she made and a little sarcastic.

He read the directions Trowa had received from Quatre to the driver. He was next to amazed the girl had talked, let alone ordered him to order the workers around. His jaw tightened, but relaxed a minute later. The nerve of the stowaway to order HIM around. He didn't really care HOW good she was with the animals. That was the only thing keeping her around; that and the fact that rehiring someone else would be a MAJOR set back. A rock and a hard place was not a position he LIKED.

The ride ended at an incredible mansion. Huge was an understatement. The white building had three floors and was swallowed up by the front and back lawns. Trees and birds were everywhere. The seven semi-like vehicles still seemed small as they lined the lengthy driveway. Trowa and Cathy got out and looked on with wide eyes. Trowa knew Quatre was heir to the family fortune, but the place rivaled the Sanc Kingdom!

People started unloading around her. She kept inside with the animals, listening. "Looks like we're here." She softly announced. Scuffling in other cages sounded from those eager to be unloaded and look around. Her back was bumped from behind and she turned with a toothy smile. "Eager to get out of the dark huh?" She asked. A soft roar answered her. She chuckled and petted Tireen. The ugly green canvas sheltered almost all the light. The only around was the lamp she carried. "Well I'm going to go undo a few straps and let some light in." Her free hand went through the lion's mane before she stepped from their cage. "I'm not gonna shut it, but just stay put kay?" Tireen softly purred briefly in agreement, happy for a sense of freedom. She stroked the outstretched nose of an elephant and the mane of a few horses that pressed against the bars in passing.

The long walk over, she undid a few straps and let more light in. She gained the attention of a few workers as well. "Go get whatever you need and get these animals out of here." She ordered, authority in her voice. A few stared at her dumbly, having never heard that emotion in her voice before. Also one of the few times she'd spoken to them as well. "Well?" A few walked off and she poked her head back inside. "I swear, humans are a dense lot." She muttered. A few horses neighed or snorted as if laughing at the joke. She turned back to the rope binding the canvas together and looked at what she'd undone. She smiled from the neigh, glad they liked the joke. She didn't make a lot of them.

She undid the ropes until she couldn't reach anymore. Her lips pursed as she stared. "Hey Zimba, wanna help me out here?" The elephant stamped a foot and she walked to him. "I need to get these ropes undone since everyone is being so slow." The elephant looked at part of her handiwork and moved its trunk to the lock. She smiled and undid it, opening his cage. "Just so you BEHAVE." She warned smiling. The elephant snorted and she lifted her arms. "Good. Now lift me up." She was soon deposited on his back and at the top of the truck.

"So when is Mr. Winner supposed to be here?" The ringmaster asked. Rashid shook his head.

"Master Quatre is in a meeting in town that should last another hour or so. In the meantime, we can take care of whatever you need." His arm swept to a few Maganacs that stayed to help Quatre and an armload of servants. The ringmaster noticed the different style each one had. Quatre apparently had no dress code for them. He nodded.

"Well we need to get things put away." He looked at the boxes and bags that nearly lined the driveway around a few trucks. "I'm assuming there's a specific place everything has to go."

"There's half the mansion you can use." Rashid answered. His hand swept back at the grand building. "Whatever is the most convenient for you." His eyes focused on movement behind the ringmaster. He smiled as Trowa nodded to him in greeting. "Hello again Master Trowa." He greeted back. Catherine gave Trowa a funny look and covered a giggle with her hand. She'd been around Trowa so much that a title sounded weird. He looked at her and raised an eyebrow. The two stopped next to the ringmaster.

"Hello Rashid." He greeted monotone. Rashid noted the more relaxed manner the young man possessed. His eyes moved to Trowa's companion in question. "May I present my sister, Catherine Bloom." Catherine extended her hand to Rashid to shake, but he turned it and kissed the back instead.

"A pleasure Miss." He bowed cordially. Catherine beamed.

"Oh I LIKE him." She joked, fighting a giggle. The ringmaster smiled and rolled his eyes. "It's EQUALLY a pleasure to meet such a gentleman such as yourself Rashid." He let go of her hand and looked at her, smiling slightly.

A noise from one of the trucks interrupted them. The canvas from the animal truck was jerked off and slid to the ground, part of it being held in their elephant's trunk. Trowa looked at the display from Zimba and Washu and felt like slapping his forehead. He closed his eyes in mock pain instead. Cathy was more verbal and did slap her forehead, covering her eyes as well and groaned loudly. She shook her head and looked at Washu, who now had the attention of everyone in the vicinity. "WASHU!" She yelled, nearly stalking to her. The girl looked at her with a playful face, patting the elephant on a job well done. "GET OFF Zimba!" She protested. She stopped next to the truck, hands on her hips. "What're you DOING anyway?"

"Getting the canvas off the truck." She smiled and petted Zimba. "I couldn't reach that high and he's almost as tall as the truck, so I enlisted his help." Catherine closed her eyes, feeling like chastising her for her stupidity. You DIDN'T uncage or unchain the animals, they could get out and cause havoc.

"Well get off him now that you're done."

"Okay." The animal rose its trunk but she stopped it from grabbing her. "Don't worry Zimba, I got this." The animal snorted and lowered its trunk. A few couldn't believe that the animal listened to her. Standing up, she jumped into the air. Flipping a few times, she landed standing up next to Catherine. Quatre's staff applauded and cheered from such an act; the circus staff stood wide-eyed. They knew little of her Trowa-like behavior and it was a shock to see something like it from such a frail girl. The only unphased were Trowa and Catherine. She wrapped an arm around Washu's and drug her to the back of the truck.

"Okay, okay. Fun's over, get Zimba back in his cage." She said. Washu opened the truck and carefully lowered the tail to the ground.

"Why? We have to get these animals out somehow. Let Zimba help." She walked up to the ramp and patted the tall leg. "How about it Zimba? Wanna help?" The elephant softly trumpeted his consent and Washu smiled at Catherine.

During the whole ordeal, he ringmaster was seething. "Washu, PUT that elephant back RIGHT NOW!" He ordered loudly. All turned deathly silent.

She looked at her boss. Her thumb jerked to the animal. "But he wants to HELP." She argued lightly, not seeing his side of the situation. His eyes narrowed slightly. How PREPOSTEROUS to think that THAT elephant wanted to help.

"All animals are to be kept safe unless they're performing. Put. Him. BACK in his cage." He ordered evenly. Now it was Washu's turn to seethe.

'Why don't we put YOU in a cage?' She angrily retorted. 'See how YOU like it.'

The two nearly glared at each other, creating a great tenseness in the area. A few workers fidgeted. Some couldn't believe Washu was being so loose with the animals; it BELONGED in a cage! Trowa saw the fierce protectiveness in Washu's eyes. He also felt anger radiate from his boss at her defiance. He could see both sides here. The animals were magnificent creatures, some should be ABLE to roam free. But they lived with the circus too long, they wouldn't have the instincts to survive. They might cause chaos. Then again, Zimba COULD help things go a little smoother...

"Just let Zimba help this once sir." He said. His hand rested over the elder man's tense shoulder. Half the circus looked at him strangely. He was taking Washu's side in the matter? Odd.

The ringmaster looked at Trowa warily, trying to find reason for the boy's off comment. He looked into mature green eyes, a tinge of persuasion in them. His shoulders dropped a minute later and he shook his head in defeat. "Fine." He looked at the truck. "JUST this once." He turned to Rashid. "Will you show me the place you think best to put everything Rashid?" The Arab nodded, wondering what was up with the strange girl. She seemed to cause some grief to the headmaster.

Things snapped into place and Cathy tapped Washu on the shoulder, breaking her out of her spell. Her midnight eyes moved from Trowa to the woman next to her. "Let's hop to it." She looked at the back of the truck and her eyes widened slightly. "And close the lion's CAGE before you start!" She hissed angrily. Washu nodded dumbly and went to go do so.

Her mind blanked during the entire procedure. She sat on Zimba like she had earlier, giving directions to the animal as they worked. Roped were situated under the top of the cage. Zimba grabbed hold and elevated each cage while the worker pushed them down the ramp. Each landed on a flat metal sheet, wheels under it for easier transportation.

She kept looking her work and at Trowa, trying to find a valid reason for WHY he stuck up for her. Not even Catherine had said a word in her defense. She didn't understand it. In the beginning, she hated him for embarrassing her and injuring her pride. Later, she slipped that day on the train. She STILL didn't know why he'd done something so mean, but she'd long since let it pass. With this most recent event, she was forced to change her view of him again. It was crazy. She was unsure how to act around him. She was almost to the point of frustration because every time she thought things were set between them, he went and changed everything.

She had never been this unsettled except for the reason she left home. He was different from everyone she knew. Silent, yet he just chose not to talk. His heart was kind and generous, she knew from the way he acted this afternoon. He didn't HAVE to help, but he wanted to and DID. He was comfortable to be around once she accustomed herself to his presence. A small part of her mind told her he was easy on the eyes as well. Her cheeks heated slightly and she tried to will it away.

Another part of her recognized the traits she named were similar to her own. That caused a slight double take. She shook her head, not wanting to recognize they had a few things in common. He was nicer than she was, had a larger heart. She couldn't compare to him, he was better than her. She looked at him and felt a little sad.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Quatre was MORE than overjoyed to see Trowa. The meeting seemed to take forever, mostly cause he knew they were on the colony. He happily greeted everyone he was introduced to and thanked the ringmaster personally.

Dinner was immense, but pleasant. He was entertained with stories of past shows; it peaked his curiosity and lowered his patience. He couldn't wait to go to a show.

"I'm so glad you're back Trowa." He commented. The two walked through the gardens; the light posts their only source of luminescence.

"It's a pleasure as well Quatre." He agreed. Fireflies showed themselves in waves around the area.

Quatre looked around the area, making sure they were alone. "Trowa," He announced with a hushed voice, "I want to thank you again for helping me and my secretary."

"It's no big deal. I just did a favor for a friend." He said, waving off his friend's last sentence.

"But you should've seen her." He nearly gushed. "I've never HEARD her so happy." He smiled, his eyes gaining a faraway look. "I'm glad we did what we did."

Trowa shook his head. "WE had nothing to do with it my friend. It was all YOUR idea."

"You did HELP though." Quatre argued. Trowa smiled slightly.

"I think we're too much alike to accept praise." He commented softly. Quatre chuckled.

"So, agree to disagree?" He suggested lightly. Trowa snorted softly. The two sat at a bench, staring at the night sky.

A few leaves fell from a tree nearby. Both gazes were diverted to it. Quatre got up and looked to the top of the branches. His head jerked back, slightly startled. "Um, hello..." Trowa got off the bench; curious at what his friend saw. He looked up and shook his head.

"Cathy's right. You DO find the strangest places to meditate." He had to smile.

"You know her?" Quatre looked at Trowa confused.

Trowa looked at his friend, still smiling. "That's Washu. She takes care of the animals." Quatre looked at her and his friend again.

"What's she doing?" He whispered. "How'd she get in that limb? That's about fifteen feet up."

"Well I WAS mediating." She commented loudly. The two looked up at her. Her position shifted and she stood up. Taking a step into the air, she flipped and landed before them. "But it's hard to find peace when nature has been hand created."

Quatre blinked. He was amazed at the jump she took. He'd seen Trowa and Heero take jumps like that. She must've learned it on her own because Trowa didn't seem like the type to want to teach her. It would've taken longer to teach her to land with the grace she possessed. Her comment also took him off-guard. Something in his heart fluttered.

"Nature is the only thing that brings you peace isn't it?" He softly asked. Washu's eyes jerked to Quatre's.

"What?" She asked. Trowa looked at his friend confused. Quatre continued to look at Washu sympathetically.

"You haven't had too much peace in your life have you?" He asked. Her eyes darted over his face. She tried to still the shaking of her hands. How'd he KNOW? She hadn't gone to dinner and just met him. Had Trowa or Catherine told him anything about her? Trowa wouldn't, but she wondered about Cathy. But she doubted the woman would talk about her cause she really hadn't told them anything.

"I-" She faltered. He was right, but how'd he KNOW? She took a step back. "No, I-" She looked into his eyes, kind blue eyes. Something in those eyes made her want to open up. He seemed so genuinely sympathetic. Her eyes widened somewhat.All her guarded secrets out in the open? No, not to a perfect stranger.

"Did something happen?" He continued softly.

Trowa looked at Washu, seeing her discomfort. "Washu?" He asked softly. "What's wrong?" Washu looked at Trowa with slightly water eyes. He was taken aback.

Without a word, she took off and ran. It was the only defense she had left. The blond stranger saw through her walls without even trying. Her legs took her through the grounds and to the only sanctuary she had.

The two stared at her exit, one bewildered and worried, the other used to it. Quatre looked at Trowa. "Shouldn't we go AFTER her?" He turned to his friend, ready to run. Trowa shook his head.

"I've already done that once." Quatre looked at him confused. "It's impossible to catch her and I have a good idea of where she's going."

"But shouldn't we-" He was silenced by Trowa's hand over his shoulder.

"Quatre, she's not the type who WANTS to be consoled. She doesn't make her feelings known to the world. She hardly talks to anybody, if ever." He shook his head.

"Kinda like YOU, ne?" Quatre asked softly. Trowa narrowed his eyes slightly. He backtracked in his mind.

"Yea," He smiled softly, "I guess you're right. Which is why we should let her be for now. I'll go talk to her in the morning."

Quatre nodded and the two started back for the house. It didn't seem chivalrous to him, but he'd have to take Trowa's word on it. He DID just meet the girl, he didn't mean to offend her. He would have to apologize next time he saw her.